Myocardial contusion

A myocardial contusion is a term for a bruise (contusion) to the heart after an injury. It is usually a consequence of blunt trauma to the anterior chest wall, and the right ventricle is thought to be most commonly affected due to its anatomic location as the most anterior surface of the heart. Myocardial contusion is not a specific diagnosis and the extent of the injury can vary greatly. Usually, there are other chest injuries seen with a myocardial contusion such as rib fractures, pneuomothorax, and valve injury. When a myocardial contusion is suspected, consideration must be given to any other chest injuries, which will likely be determined by clinical signs, tests, and imaging.